WATCH: Rabada hits Starc for one-handed Rishabh Pant-style six
Kagiso Rabada spent a lot of time with Rishabh Pant in recent years, during their time with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. It seems like Rabada is taking some batting notes from the Indian left-handed, and is implementing some of it. It was evident in South Africa’s opening game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 against Australia, when Rabada produced a moment of magic for his side.
In the final over of the innings, with South Africa in desperate need for runs, Kagiso Rabada swung his bat to good effect. He was facing Mitchell Starc, one of the fastest bowlers in the world, but wasn’t fazed by it. He tonked him down the ground for a six, and in the process, he lost one hand off the handle. It did not impact the result though, as it ended up going over the rope.
The fast bowler is not world-renowned for his batting ability, but time and again, he has shown glimpses of how useful he can be. With wickets tumbling at one end, he chipped in with a vital contribution for the side, that took them close to the 120-mark.
Here’s the video of that six from Kagiso Rabada, that is bound to get a lot of people talking.
— Ves (@Ves84442098) October 23, 2021
South Africa disappointed in their opening game of the tournament, having registered just 118 runs batting first. Australian bowlers were right on the cue after letting some runs slip away in the opening over. Glenn Maxwell provided the first wicket of the game before Josh Hazlewood tormented their top order.
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Runs came far and few for the Proteas ever since, as they failed to capitalize and get some big overs. The likes of Aiden Markram and David Miller hung around for a little time, but it wasn’t enough for the side. For Australia, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa picked up 2 wickets each.